Troér celebrated the heroes who freed them from their dark prisons. No one knew what happened, but the Locksmiths told them… the truth.

“If you feel that it's the right thing to do. We'll support your decision,” Sly told her with a nod.

They stood in the center of Troér, where a crowd had gathered, talking loudly as they waited for answers.

“I'll be right beside you if you need me to tag in,” Eamon encouraged her with a small smile that was different from usual, and it made her heart swell.

Mustering tenacity and courage, she climbed the platform's steps normally used for announcements.

“Hello, everyone,” she said into a cylinder-shaped transceiver, elevating her voice above the crowds.

They hushed whispers to hear what the Locksmith had to say.

Lyra took a deep breath, paused, and relaxed her mind. She focused on the crowd with a fierce look and held the eyes of an Ashbourne.

“I am Lyra Ashbourne, C rank Locksmith, and the granddaughter to double S rank Ealdred ‘the Sentinel Riftbreaker ‘Ashbourne, as well as my father B rank, Arcemedus Ashbourne. I'm here to tell you the truth about the Empire and what is happening in Aurum that people wish to keep you in the dark.”

The crowd murmured as the worry in their eyes registered on their faces. Despite the strange Rifts of creatures, they put their faith in what the Empire had to say, but they were wrong.

A woman with a red choppy bob cut stepped forward in the crowd. She was wearing a blue pinstripe button-up and skirt. She, too, held a portable cylinder transceiver connected to a rectangular recorder. She had the transceiver directly in front of Lyra, who stood below.

“Ms. Ashbourne, I'm reporter Joanne Ryvers from the Daily Crystal Clear, DCC, in Crystalline-city. I would love to make your voice heard not just in Lysandrian Kingdom but also in all of Aurum so we may prepare for what is to come.”

Lyra nodded. “Thank you. Some country's leaders, including Chancellor Viktor Radovinov, don't want you to know that the legends you once heard in stories have very much come to life: the Return of Magycte Beasts and the Return of the Children of Deimos.”

The hushed whispers soon became a cacophony of shock, denial, and anger.

Lyra had not expected this kind of reaction. Still, with an encouraging nod from reporter Joanne and her friends, she continued, unknowingly realizing that she had struck the first match in a long-awaited, centuries-old plan.

•†•

Before they could make their way to the next destination, back to Verdan Glen, the reporter Joanne from the DCC in Crystalline City caught up with them at Troér's front gate.

“Ms. Ryvers?” Lyra questioned, surprised to see the reporter. “What are you doing out here?”

Despite the testimony that she had made, many could not believe that old legends like Magycte Beasts were real. They had trusted Locksmiths for years but did not know what to think about everything happening in the world. They were scared; they were tired, they were angry.

“Do call me Jo. Your speech today was not just inspiring but informative too.”

Lyra had to resist the urge to snort.

“Didn't you see? The crowd wasn't exactly fond of receiving that kind of news.”

Joanne nodded in understanding. “People fear change; we saw what happened with the Harmony Tax, and even if it were Locksmiths reporting on this– even if they had seen proof– it would take much more for people to see the truth. They don't want to think that the unthinkable is true, that something else could ruin their way of life.”

Cassandra stepped forward. She was resting her good hand on Lyra’s shoulder. “She’s right, Lyra. I understand the people's plight because the moment I told people their loved ones were not coming home, there was no sadness or grief in those eyes. There was anguish, anger, despair, and hate, but it was not at me. I was just the closest they could relinquish their emotions at.”

As Cassandra thought back to that day, different emotions appeared on her face. Tierney came to her side and comforted her.

“Cassandra and Joanne are right,” Sly told her. “This is all new to them, and people fear what they don't understand. Even if it's from the mouth of those they love.”

“And even if they don't see it now,” Eamon told her. “They will soon. Even if the world looks the other way, we will protect Aurum and its citizens. You know why?”

Lyra smirked. Of course, she knew; she did not know why she was even feeling doubt.

“Because that's what Locksmiths do.”

Joanne clapped her hands once and grinned. “And I'll be sure to spread the word with this speech in case these Altars, you called it, spread further throughout Aurum.”

Lyra nodded. “Thanks, Jo. We appreciate it.”

“Anytime, kiddo. Besides, you are not the only ones in Aurum who strive to make a difference. There will always be like-minded individuals who will do anything to help the people, no matter what. Maybe you'll meet them one day; good luck, folks.”

As they waved to Joanne, they headed for the next Altar in Isselgrade.

•†•

It was a race against time to stop the Altar and save its citizens. However, after only a few short days, the usual trail that led to Isselgrade felt even longer now that their situation was urgent. Unfortunately, they needed to rest for the night.

Lyra lay on her cot, arms on her chest, staring at the starry night sky. The campfire was growing dim, but she could still see the faint outline of everyone's body.

Sly, Alivier, Cassandra, and Tierney were on the other side of the fire. Both Cassandra and Tierney's cots sat side by side. Alivier had somehow found a perch on a tree and made a canopy. Sly, on the other hand, preferred to sit up sleeping. It had scared her for the first few nights, and Eamon, propped up like that–and sometimes with one eye open.

Lyra shivered. The movement stirred Aurora, who slept in the same cot with her. Lyra kissed the little girl on the forehead and ran her fingers through her hair, relaxing her.

Lyra smiled. She had not expected to get as close to her as she did but knew that she'd probably do anything to protect her. She would not let the Empire or anyone get their hands on her.

“Hey, Lyra. Are you awake?” Eamon's whispered voice was beside her. She turned around on her side, seeing him also in the same position, with his head resting on the crook of his arm. Lyra repeated the gesture and got comfortable so she could face him.

“Not yet. I'm filled with too much. What should I call it? Is it excitement? Worry? Fear? All of the above?”

He nodded, seeing the conflict on her face.

“Yeah, me too.”

She sighed. “Whatever is going on, it can't happen, Eamon.”

“And it won't happen,” he said defiantly. “We won't let that happen. You believe that, right?”

She gave him a half smile. “Yeah, I believe that, but these Altars… the Children of Deimos, and you saw it, now there's an Ultra Magycte Beast. I'm afraid that maybe…maybe…” she could not finish her sentence and bit her lip. Her fingers dug into the earth to distract herself from her wayward thoughts.

“Hey,” Eamon whispered. His hand reached out and rested on top of hers. Her eyes met his, and a gasp left his lips at how much the light reflected off her eyes, making them twinkle like stars.

Eamon had never found her more beautiful than tonight or maybe he was finally accepting his feelings toward her.

“I've told you before, and I'll say it again.” gripping her hand. “I have your back, no matter what. We'll be able to save all of them because that's what Locksmiths do.”

Her cheeks grew warm at his touch, and the only thing she could think about was how soft his hands were on top of hers.

“Hey, Lyra…” he whispered her name.

“Yeah?”

Neither said anything, but Eamon made the first move and started to lean forward. Lyra’s heart skipped a bit as her eyes trailed down to his lips, and she closed them.

Only a soft whimpering from Aurora broke their trance. Their hands pulled apart, and Lyra spun around to cradle the girl in her arms.

Aurora kept mumbling, ‘No more… please…. It hurts… no more needles…’ which had Lyra frowning and furrowing her brows in anger.

“I swear, whoever in the Empire did this to her, they'll pay for what they've done." She shook her head, turning to Eamon for his response, when the anger washed away and replaced with worry.

“Eamon?”

He blinked several times, looking around as he awakened from sleep.

“What… what happened?”

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Lyra frowned. “I caught you staring off into the distance, and when I mean distant, you dozed off like you were somewhere else altogether. Are you okay?”

He grabbed the side of his head, gently shaking it. “Yeah, I probably exhausted myself far too much today. We did a synchronized move and all.” he tried to smile to distract her from worrying about him.

Lyra was not falling for it but she would play along for now.

“Yeah, we did… we should only use it as a last resort to not exhaust ourselves.”

“Agreed. We should get some rest. Be sure you don't stay up too late.” With that, Eamon turned to the other side to sleep.

Lyra stared at his back. She could not help but feel like something was missing. Though she knew it was better not to pry, she hoped he would tell her whatever it was.

Eamon, however, did not even know what to tell her. His mind went elsewhere, and he was in his body, but not in his body, at the same time. There was an all-white room, people talking, and blurred lights he couldn't discern or make out.

It did not make sense, and he hoped that a good night's sleep would do him some good.

•†•

They finally reached their destination in Isselgrade but were dismayed to see that the entire city in an amalgamation of deep forests and thick vines wrapped around the castle structure of the Altar.

“Let me assist in this one,” Cassandra said, removing her ax from its sheath.

“Are you sure, Cassandra? Tierney asked with worry. “What about your arm?”

Lyra nodded in agreement. “Yeah, we can handle it in there, and with Alivier, cleansing that thing with light will be easy-peasy.”

Cassandra, however, shook her head. “I will have to decline that offer as sitting on the sidelines was of great strain, and I had to maintain my urge to rush in at the last Altar. I cannot sit back and wait while civilians are in danger. I've had worse scrapes; this arm shall not hold me back.”

“If Cassie is going, I wanna go too!” Aurora chimed in. “please! I can help, too.”

Tierney nodded. “Yeah, I can be an asset, too. You know what I can do, Cassandra.”

Cassandra and Lyra looked to one another, seeing how their leaving would pose a problem.

“Now hold up, you two,” Sly interrupted their beckoning. “This is a serious and dangerous mission. Neither of you is properly trained, and if anything happened to you, it would fall to Lyra and Cassandra to protect you both. do you want anything bad to happen to them?”

The girl’s heads bowed low, and both said, “No.”

“Good. Then, I will stay. As you said, Lyra, Alivier is with you, and even if Cassandra has one good arm, you three will just need to be a distraction until he makes the final blow.”

“That'll be pretty easy, to say the least. If there are no more objections?” Alivier asked and scanned the party. “Great! Who's ready to slay a Beast?”

Into the shrouded hazy mist, the party went into the mouth of the forest. Gone was the cozy town of Isselgrade and home to a dark forest that held Fiends and Veilspawn of different nature. The houses and buildings looked bordered up with vines draped around the house. They assumed that before chaos broke out, civilians had managed to evacuate safely inside. It gave them relief that there was no one in sight

From the corner of her eye, Lyra noticed that Cassandra looked paler than usual. Her eyes dilated and focused, searching through the haze. Her armored hand gripped tightly to her weapon.

“Cassandra?” Lyra called out to the warrior, reaching out. She jumped at the sound of her voice with a wild look in her eyes. “Cassandra, are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine,” she lied. She chewed on her bottom lip. Her bandaged arm touched the base of her head. She shook it. “No. I’m not alright. I didn’t think this would bother me. I thought it had processed into my brain, but apparently not.”

To their confused glances, Cassandra had explained that a similar event played out where she lost her cohort that day. She thought that she had mourned them enough and would be able to reclaim vengeance for them, but unfortunately, her body, it seemed, had not quite processed the trauma enough.

“You shouldn’t have to continue, Cassandra, if that day still haunts you,” Eamon pointed out. “It’s okay… to feel vulnerable. Your body knows when it needs to rest, listen to it.”

“I’m afraid it will be impossible to go back.” They turned to Alivier with curious glances his way. “Once you go inside an Altar, you cannot leave until it is cleared of the anomaly contained inside of it.”

“Are you serious with this, Alivier? Why in Lumos’ name wouldn’t you tell us earlier!” Lyra yelled at him. She sighed with a heavy groan, running her hand through her curls. “I swear Alivier-whatever-your-last-name is, you are this close.” To empathize with her point, she pinched her thumb and pointer finger an inch apart, with a glare to match.

A sheepish grin pulled at the corners of his lips. “I didn’t think it was important at the time.”

“Wha–not in important?” She fumed. “Eamon, hold me back before I do something I’ll regret.”

Knowing she meant it, he placed a firm hand on her shoulder. Not surprised when she tried to inch forward. Dang, she’s strong. You’ve really done it now Alivier.

“Please, don’t argue on my behalf,” Cassandra swayed their attention to her. She looked a bit herself, yet, there was a distance in her eyes that told them she wasn’t one-hundred percent. “I am still coherent and can fight when needed. I know that if I become a liability, to fall back, even if I can’t leave this place.”

Knowing they had little choice, they continued their journey through the quiet, desolate, dark forest of the Altar.

“It would seem like the Altar takes the shape of wherever the place is located.” Eamon pointed out.

Lyra nodded. “I was just thinking the same thing. Do you have anything to share with us now, Mr. Lictkrieger? By the way, I still do not fully understand how Lumos’ Warrior was assigned to… wrought out these Altars. If they always existed and could prophesy Lumos’ words by mouth, why hadn’t they come clean about this to the world before all this happened?”

“All valid questions, of course!” Alivier exclaimed in a gallant mood that made Lyra’s eye twitch in annoyance. “It is as simple as this: The world was never supposed to be this way again. The world was never supposed to find out about Magycte Beasts or the Ethereal Rifts. During the Primal Chaos Era, people like the late High Elder Tiberius Evergreen sought to make sure of it. Once the Wellspring's power was given to a chosen few Locksmiths, they made a pact with the Lictkrieger to bury any information about it.”

“That is why everyone believed it to be mere legends,” Cassandra acknowledged with a heavy heart. Pain etched on her face as her mind reeling with thoughts, had they never erased it from history, perhaps Aurum could have been more prepared to take action and her soldiers wouldn’t have lost their lives that day.

“So, who really stole the Codex? Can Lumos not retrieve it back?” Eamon asked.

Alivier shook his head. The eeriness of the environment made the conversation all the more foreboding.

“Unfortunately, we have no clues, and it would seem powerful dark magic has blocked Lumos out from interfering. We, Lichtkriegers believe it to be the Primal Weavers as their magic spans decades, even centuries, well beyond the Primal Chaos Era. They’ve always been an isolated group, never truly taking sides, and only sticking to their coven. They had aided in the war against Deimos, but had it not been for Tiberus that led them, they probably would have turned a blind eye.”

Lyra rolled her eyes. “Well, blaming people isn’t going to help Aurum’s situation. It has to be the Children of Deimos; who else? Both Finn and the one Cassandra called Maxwell Croger are lurking around, biding their time and talking about their Master wanting to reclaim the world. If anything, they’d be primary suspect number one.”

“Exactly,” Cassandra nodded. “I bet Denarius on it that they have a hand in it. We don’t know why they’re doing all of this.”

While the group speculated the cause of it all, a terrified scream echoed throughout the Altar-like forest. The heroes unsheathed their weapons and charged down the vined streets of the once Isselgrade.

What used to be the center was a dark, burly figure with closely cropped hair and a well-kept beard, fighting off a pack of three-wolfish CaverJaw Fiends with spiked blue stones protruding from their skin. Their eyes glowed blue, as did their insides when their jaws widened, exposing razor-sharp fangs.

“That’s Gavrik!” Lyra shouted. “We have to help him.”

“And is that Rylia with him?” Eamon recognized the silver-haired girl.

Crouched at his feet, Gavrik stood protectively between a shaken fetal positioned Rylia, with her hands wrapped around her head.

“Hey!” Lyra called out, getting the Fiend's attention. “Keep away from our friends!” She jumped into the air and commanded Zephyr. The powerful winds cut through the air and sliced cleanly through the two, separating the Fiends from getting closer.

Eamon came at the ready and bashed the metal Escrima sticks with blunt force trauma to a Fiend’s skull. Cassandra came with quickness and, even with one good arm, uppercut the charging Fiend coming her way, bashing its lower jowls.

The Fiends exploded in a black mist, averting the danger. This left Lyra and Eamon to attend to their Locksmith friends.

“Gavrick, what happened? Is Rylia alright?” Lyra’s worried brows creased together as she looked down at a shaken Rylia. Her eyes dilated and still. She might have been alive, but her mind warped from the inside.

“Where is everyone else?” Eamon added to the worry about the Locksmiths he had come to know and respect.

“I’m glad to see friendly faces that ain’t ugly-mawed beasts.” Gavrik attempted to make light of the situation. He shook his head. “Nay, it’s worse than we could have ever feared. All of a sudden, black mist and overgrown trees shrouded the sky. People scattered, and Locksmiths immediately went to awareness after we told citizens about the Magycte Beasts– though some were skeptical– they took the warning to heart.”

Lyra sighed. They were prepared enough to get civilians out of danger. Even if they didn’t believe it outright, they averted a crisis. That was enough to ease her mind.

“As for the other’s…” he grimly spoke. He grunted, grabbing his side. There were claw marks that ripped through his vest. “Dang, beasts got me good. Sorrel and I had been fighting them off when Rylia collapsed from shock; she never did truly recover after that last Magycte incident, even after her arm was looking like it was healing. She refused to pick up a weapon.”

“Here, let me remove your pain away,” Alivier, said, approaching the burly man. “While I may be able to tend to your injuries, I’m afraid the girl’s psyche is one that I cannot heal.”

Gavrik eyed Lyra and Eamon to confirm whether he should trust them. They nodded, knowing the consequences if they did not get him treatment.

“What happened to Sorrel when you were fighting off the Fiends?” Eamon asked him.

Gavrik pinched his brows. He gritted his teeth and smashed his fists into the ground. “That raven-haired idiot. I called out to him and told him we’d be stronger in numbers, but he insisted on leading most, if not all, the pack away.”

Fear dressed on Lyra and Eamon’s faces as they looked at each other, wondering the same thing.

Gavrik shook his head. Knowing what they were thinking, the same thing he had been thinking. “I don’t know if he’s alive or dead either.”

“And Elessa? What about Jalen and Master Thaldir?” Lyra asked him. “Where were they?”

He shook his head again. “Once that forest started to loom over us, whatever it be, all us Locksmiths scattered, trying to get civilians to safety. It was only Myself, Rylia, and Sorrel on one patrol. Thaldir, Jalen, and Elessa were elsewhere at the time. I don’t know what befell of them, either.”

This was serious now. They did not know if any of the Locksmiths were hiding, alive, or dead, but they knew if they wanted to save everyone, they would need to move fast.

“And finished,” Alivier said after he was done tending to Gav’s wound. “Your wound is healed enough that you won’t bleed out and even internally I managed to stitch a few nerves and skins to patch it together, but any further strain and you may find yourself with the short end of the stick.”

Gav grunted with a nod of approval. “Works for me. I don’t know if I’d be of any use but–”

“Of course, we would ask you to sit this out,” Lyra told him. “We’re going to find the others alive, bring them back, and get rid of this Altar and Magycte problem.”

“Truly, thank you. Thank Lumos for you both.”

“I will stay with them,” Cassandra offered. I am still capable, but I do not want to slow you down if I succumb to the trauma. Your friend is injured, and the other is unable to respond to us. At least together, we can fend off any Enemies that cross our path.”

Agreeing that was the best option, Lyra and Eamon would be enough to distract the Ultra Magycte Beast with their Kesync long enough for Alivier to blast it away.

“We won’t be long; hold on as long as you can,” Eamon told them.

After they helped move Gav and Rylia from the center and put others in hiding among some buildings with coverings to stay close to them, the remaining party left with Lyra, Eamon, and Alivier as they traversed deeper into the mouth of the forest's Altar.